Healthy Banana Bread with Raw Honey, Espresso, & Cardamom
There’s something so comforting about a freshly baked loaf of banana bread, warm from the oven, filling your kitchen with sweet, spiced aromas. But this isn’t just any banana bread—this version is naturally sweetened with raw honey and infused with cardamom and espresso for a unique depth of flavor. It’s moist, subtly spiced, and perfectly balanced, making it the ideal treat for breakfast, a midday snack, or even dessert.
This wholesome banana bread is made with a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a hearty yet tender texture, and it’s completely refined sugar-free thanks to the rich sweetness of raw local honey. The addition of espresso powder enhances the natural sweetness of the bananas while giving the loaf a slightly toasty, indulgent undertone.
If you love cozy, spiced flavors with a bit of an unexpected twist, this banana bread is for you!
What You’ll Need & Why These Ingredients Matter
Ripe Bananas (2 large, about 1 ½ cups mashed)
- The riper, the better! Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread, reducing the need for extra sweeteners or fats.
Eggs (2, room temperature)
- Eggs help bind the ingredients together and create a light, fluffy texture. Room-temperature eggs mix more easily into the batter.
Grass-Fed Butter (⅓ cup, melted and cooled)
- Adds richness and moisture to the loaf. You can swap it with coconut oil for a dairy-free option without compromising flavor.
Flour Blend (whole wheat flour + all-purpose flour)
- Using whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients, while all-purpose flour keeps the bread from becoming too dense.
- Substitutions: Use all whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf, all white flour for a lighter texture, or even oat flour for a gluten-free option.
Raw Honey
- Naturally sweetens the bread without refined sugar.
- I used our Cranberry Honey for its unique tart-sweet profile, but Wildflower or Cinnamon Honey would work beautifully as well!
Vanilla Extract
- Enhances the natural sweetness and adds a warm, cozy aroma.
Baking Soda
- Helps the bread rise, making it light and fluffy.
Milk
- Keeps the bread moist. You can use dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk without any issues.
Espresso Powder
- Deepens the banana and honey flavors while adding a subtle coffee richness.
- Don't worry, the espresso flavor is mild—just enough to enhance the overall taste!
Redmond Real Salt
- Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors. I love using Redmond Real Salt for its mineral content.
Ceylon Cinnamon
- Adds warmth and spice. If you’re using Cinnamon Honey, reduce it to ½ tsp for the right balance.
Cardamom
- The star ingredient that brings a slightly floral, citrusy warmth to the loaf, elevating it beyond your average banana bread.
Important Tips for the Best Banana Bread
✔ Use overripe bananas – The darker and softer, the better! They provide the best sweetness and moisture.
✔ Do not over mix the batter – Over mixing can make the bread dense instead of soft and tender.
✔ Bake at 325°F (not higher!) – A lower temperature ensures the bread bakes evenly without drying out.
✔ Let it cool – Allowing the bread to rest before slicing keeps it from crumbling apart.
Substitutions & Mix-In Ideas
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Make it dairy-free: Swap butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free milk.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend or oat flour.
- Lower sugar: Reduce honey to ⅓ cup if you prefer a less sweet loaf.
Additional Mix-In Ideas:
- Chocolate chips – Because chocolate + espresso = heaven!
- Chopped nuts – Walnuts or pecans add crunch and a nutty richness.
- Dried fruit – Raisins or chopped dates enhance the natural sweetness.
- Shredded coconut – Adds a tropical twist and extra moisture.
Healthy Banana Bread with Honey, Cardamom & Espresso Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cup ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup raw honey
- 1/3 cup melted and cooled grass fed butter (can substitute coconut oil)
- 1/4 cup milk (can substitute dairy free alternative)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 3/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tbsp espresso powder
- 1 tsp cardamom
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 325°F and grease a nonstick loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the cooled melted butter and honey until smooth. - Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together dry ingredients (whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, espresso powder, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom).
- Slowly sift the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, whisking gently until just combined.
- Add the milk and stir until smooth—do not overmix!
- Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and bake at 325°F for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy & Serve!
This healthy banana bread is best enjoyed warm, with a drizzle of honey, a smear of butter, or even alongside a steaming cup of coffee or chai. It stays moist for days and makes the perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Let me know if you try this honey-sweetened, spiced banana bread—I’d love to hear how you liked it! 🖤
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